Americas Economy and Finance Ministers to come together in Miami in June for Latin Trade's Trade Americas Expo

MIAMI, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fernando Lorenzo, Minister of Economy and Finance of Uruguay and Jose W. Fernandez, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, are confirmed keynote speakers at the Second Annual Trade Americas Expo: Creating an Environment for Business Opportunities in the Hemisphere, hosted by Latin Trade Group in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), June 20 – 21 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.

Trade Americas Expo is the premier conference for executives from small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand across their borders and to break into the dynamic and rapidly growing markets of the Americas.

The two-day event is designed to provide participants both with the big picture of doing business in the region, as well as present specific mechanisms and contacts to expand into these hot markets.

Latin America has emerged following years of political and financial tumult as one of the fastest growing regions in the world. It has become an increasingly desirable trading partner for countries and companies around the globe, as well as a destination for rising foreign direct investment and joint venture partnerships. With a $4.8 trillion economy, approximately 600 million citizens and a burgeoning middle class, Latin American markets represent significant opportunities for business expansion.

"This year the event's focus is even more far-reaching: increasing not only U.S. – Latin America trade, but also boosting investment between countries in Latin America, through the expansion of Latin American PYMES and North American SMEs in the region," said Rosemary Winters, CEO of Latin Trade Group.

In addition to the Expo, Trade Americas integrates a dynamic conference program with keynote speeches and panel presentations from the region's top government, financial and business leaders.

The conference program includes panels on regional trade agreements, doing business in Latin America and access to financing for SMEs. Additionally, through country presentations and through the presentation of SMEs success stories, participants gain insights on the realities of conducting business in each country. Participating countries will outline opportunities for investment and increased trade, while business leaders will share case studies and best practices with attendees.

Other confirmed keynote speakers and panelists include: Enrique Garcia, President of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America, Augusto Lopez-Claros, Director of Global Indicators and Analysis, World Bank Group, Fabrizio Opertti, Chief of Trade and Investment, Inter-American Development Bank, Alberto Bernal, Head of Research and Strategy at Bulltick Capital Markets, and Craig S. Smith, President for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International, among others.

The event also offers networking functions and business matchmaking opportunities between delegates and their peers, as well as with business executives and government representatives from participating countries.

Trade Americas Expo is sponsored by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and HSBC. In addition to the IDB, strategic partners include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America, Ashoka, La Idea, Enterprise Florida and WeConnect International, as well as a media partner, CNN.

Latin Trade Group is a leading provider of information and business services to companies operating in Latin America. It publishes award-winning content in Spanish and English for distribution throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States through print, online media and events. Latin Trade Group publishes Latin Trade magazine, Latin Business Chronicle, and is the organizer of the Latin Trade Symposium and BRAVO Business Awards, the LT CFO Series for financial executives of multinational corporations, and Trade Americas.